Pega and SmartBridge Team Up for a 200-Hour AI Training Adventure in India

Pega and SmartBridge Team Up for a 200-Hour AI Training Adventure in India

So, picture this: you’re sitting in a coffee shop, scrolling through job postings, and you notice something alarming. There’s a massive shortage of AI talent in India, and it’s only getting worse. Enter Pega, a big player in the enterprise software game, and SmartBridge, a Hyderabad-based talent accelerator. They’ve teamed up to launch a 200-hour training program that’s gonna help fill that gap.

The Big Idea

This isn’t just any training program; it’s like a boot camp for the tech-savvy. The goal? To whip up a new generation of pros who are not just familiar with AI, automation, and low-code tech, but are ready to dive into the workforce with practical skills and globally recognized certifications. Imagine a world where companies don’t have to spend ages onboarding new hires because they’re already job-ready. Sounds good, right?

The program is set to kick off in India, but they’ve got their eyes on the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions too. It’s all about creating a steady stream of talent that can hit the ground running.

Why Now?

But wait, let’s talk about why this is happening now. Reports are showing that only 15-20% of the tech workforce in India has the necessary AI skills. That’s a staggering number! If things don’t change, we could be looking at over one million unfilled AI roles by 2027. Yikes! Companies are scrambling, paying top dollar for skilled individuals, and often prioritizing adaptability over experience.

It’s kinda like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You’ve got all these companies looking for talent, but the supply just isn’t there. And it’s not just about coding; it’s about building applications on top of existing large language models. That means we need a workforce that’s not just good at traditional coding but can adapt and innovate.

The Program Breakdown

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this program. It’s structured to bridge that annoying gap between what universities teach and what companies actually need. The curriculum is a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. We’re talking about a 90-hour credit course that includes a capstone project, plus a 120-hour global certification course.

Students will dive into high-demand areas like low-code development and AI, all while getting trained on Pega’s own platforms. And here’s the kicker: they’ll walk away with globally recognized Pega certifications like the Pega Certified System Architect (PCSA) and Senior System Architect (PCSSA). These aren’t just fancy titles; they give students a serious edge in the job market.

The training’s gonna be delivered in a blended format. Think mentor-led sessions, practical exercises using Pega's App Studio, mock interviews, and project-based learning. It’s like a real-world simulation that prepares graduates for the professional world. SmartBridge is gonna roll this out in top-tier universities and engineering colleges, starting with institutions in East, West, and North India.

A Win-Win Situation

This initiative is a win-win for everyone involved. Students get industry-relevant skills and credentials, universities get to enhance their curriculum, and employers gain access to a pool of well-trained talent. It’s like a perfect storm of opportunity!

The Bigger Picture

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. This partnership isn’t just about filling roles; it’s a long-term investment in building a sustainable talent pipeline. Pega has been in India since 2008, with its largest research and development center there, employing around 2,000 professionals. By proactively developing talent, Pega is not just supporting its growth but also strengthening its entire ecosystem.

Deepak Visweswaraiah, Pega’s senior vice president and managing director in India, put it perfectly: they’re moving “from intent to impact at scale.” This program is all about creating a distributed model to train talent that the industry can deploy from day one.

The Low-Code Boom

And let’s not forget about the low-code market. It’s booming, projected to generate $187 billion in revenue by 2030. Low-code platforms speed up development and empower both technical and non-technical users. By specializing students in its low-code platform, Pega is cultivating a dedicated community of developers and architects, solidifying its market position.

Conclusion

So, here’s the thing: this initiative by Pega and SmartBridge isn’t just a corporate social responsibility move; it’s a smart business strategy. It’s a model for how tech companies can address the talent shortage while fostering industry-wide growth and innovation. And honestly, it’s about time someone took action. Let’s hope this is just the beginning of a brighter future for tech talent in India!